Even those coming in and out of the country…
The Garda bodies engaging in four days of industrial action in November could seriously affect people travelling in and out of the country according to the Department of Justice.
Members of the Garda Representative Association, which is about 10,500 rank and file Garda, and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors are expected to withdraw their services for four days in November.
On November 4, 11, 18 and 25 , between 7am and 7pm, Garda will commence industrial action.
Gardaí currently play a key role in the handling of immigration services as Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports.
Therefore there are concerns that services and flights in the airports could be affected during the days of Garda industrial action.
Speaking with the Irish Independent, Minster for Justice and Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald said: “The Department is exploring with AGS [An Garda Síochána] and DAA [Dublin Airport Authority] options for dealing with immigration control in the event of the planned Garda action going ahead.”
In Terminal 2 in Dublin, Gardaí operate immigration control although in Terminal 1 it’s left to Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), but plans are being put into place to place it all under INIS control throughout the airport.
However, it’s unclear if such a plan will be in place in time for the days of Garda strikes next month and whether or not the INIS will be able to deal with all passengers on these days.
Those travelling should be wary of delays and possible cancellation of flights on the days of the industrial action.
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